Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15-24. These statistics are often used in media and suicide prevention trainings but what do the numbers represent?

Within the statistics you may find:

A farmer that couldn’t find his way out of debt

A person experiencing chronic pain that just wanted free of the pain

A college student who developed depression and anxiety but never sought help

A high school student who has been relentlessly bullied

A young man that messed up and doesn’t want to face the shame

A retired man who couldn’t find his purpose in life anymore

The list goes on and on and on. The latest national statistics from 2015 show that there were 44,193 reported deaths by suicide. Imagine hearing the stories of all 44,193. Each person had a life and people who cared about them.

We as a nation need to pay attention to those around us. Be the one to show concern. Be the one to ask about suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has information on how to help someone you are concerned about. Go to BeThe1To.com to learn the five steps to save a life.